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Posts: 23

Topic: No more treatment for Charlie

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Got home Wed. afternoon from hospital stay at Baptist. As soon as we went to Charlie's appointment, Mon., he was admitted, blood drawn, scanned. Scan showed the tumors in his liver have grown. Blood showed high levels bilirubin. He is more jaundiced, nauseous, weak. MRI showed there is no place to put a stent to help with the bile ducts because of the growth of the tumors. There's nothing else medically to be done to try to fight the cancer. Charlie may have weeks left, but no one really knows. We are happy he is home. We had a good talk with Sarah and Ben this afternoon - cried, laughed and lots of hugs and kisses. So blessed that we have time to be together and say our good bye's. We're all looking forward to Christmas family get togethers and Christmas Eve Lovefeast. Please pray for Charlie to stay pain free as he continues on his journey.

Lord our Father, we bring our heaviest burdens to you in prayer, confident that you will help us to deal with whatever comes our way. To you be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (From today's Moravian Daily Text) Moravians are one of the oldest Protestant denominations.

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Carol, thank you for your update. That verse from 2 Corinthians really hits home these days. I will keep you and Charlie in my prayers, as I pray every day for everyone on this board who are afflicted with cholangiocarcinoma.

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1Pe 1:4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 1Pe 1:5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1Pe 1:6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 1Pe 1:7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Dear Carol, so sorry to hear about Charlie. We will pray for a a peaceful, painless journey. He is so very lucky to have all of you with him. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. The Moravian Lovefeast sounds like a lovely tradition.

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Carol,

I am so sorry that it has come to this point, but as you said, the main thing now is to keep Charlie as pain free as possible. I too enjoyed the verse. Thanks for sharing it. It sure is appropriate, isn't it? This cancer just makes me feel so angry & helpless, so I will do what I can which is to keep you, Charlie & your family in my thoughts & prayers.

Love & Hugs,Darla

"One Day At A Time"

All of my comments and suggestions are just my opinions and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care providers.

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Carol,

I am sorry to hear the turn your journey has taken. I am praying for strength and peace for your family. I will be in W-S quite a bit in the coming weeks, don't hesitate to ask if there is anything I can do. I will be just around the corner.

The Love Feast is a beautiful tradition. I hope to go to the one at Olivet. Is that your church?

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Dear Carol,

Some days I really don't feel that strong, but I am willing to share what strength I have with you whenever you need it. More hugs & love coming your way. Try to take care of yourself too so you can stay strong for Charlie.

Love,Darla

"One Day At A Time"

All of my comments and suggestions are just my opinions and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care providers.

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Jan, we've got to get together sometime. Olivet is our church. Charlie grew up in that church. It's beautiful all decorated for C'mas, isn't it? Be sure to get there early. You know how it fills up quick. Thanks.

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Carol

Just read your post. I remember how our family felt when we realized there was nothing left to do to help my dear grandmother. I felt like the air had been sucked out of my lungs and everything stopped for a second.

The good news is what you high lighted. Its the time you do have. Lots of talking and reminding each other how much you love one another. We took lots of pictures. At first it seemed odd but now I treasure them so much.

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Carol - I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. I know its like getting the wind kicked out of you when you realize that there is no further treatment that can be done. Enjoy every last minute you have with Charlie. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Remember to take care of yourself during this time.Colleen

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Carol, I love that verse -so comforting. I, too, pray for a painless journey for Charlie. May God bless bless both of you. We are all so fortunate that our "CC" family is always here with us, to share our joys and our sorrows.

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Thank you Colleen, Jean, Patty and Joyce. Just a quick update on Charlie. He had a good day Thurs. He even wanted to get out and run a short errand by himself. It made him feel so good. He had a little more energy yesterday. He takes naps throughout the day. He wants to try to keep eating solid food, but it's a real chore for him. He does good with his Ensure's though.

Sarah and Ben are still working all this through their minds, coming back again and again for reassurance. The hardest one I think is "Could Daddy go really fast?" and you can see the pain and fear in their eyes. It could be fast or not. With liver failure as with this rare cancer, there's just no set timeline. I won't be back at my job until, well, really not sure when and that's fine.

A Hospice social worker and nurse came this morning for an initial assessment. Signed papers, answered a lot of questions. This relieves both of us that when we need them, they'll be here. Charlie and I both want him to be home for the duration.

This is a little card that has turned yellow with age that I gave Charlie and he stuck in the frame of a picture of me in my wedding dress on his dresser. We've been married 26 years.

In Each Other's Arms

There's one place where we both can turn when things don't go our way. Or when we're tired from all the cares we face from day to day. A place where we know everything will somehow be okay - Within the safety of each other's arms.

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Hello,It's quite touching to read through these messages. I too offer prayers for strength and resilience. My mom is in the hospital for 3 days now, bile duct cancer within the liver. Diagnosed a year ago and is off chemo now. No eating just I.V. Jaundiced too. She looks like she's healthy. And thats what is hard to wrap my mind around. I wish someone could tell me how long she has. I spend the nights with her and am happy to do so. Shes suffering but trying to not show it. Today she said she didn't want to live this way. This is all very sureal. Does anyone have any experience with what the end stages are like. Symptoms? I know this is a heavy question, but I would appreciate all honesty.

One bright morning when my work is over....I'll fly away home. -Bob Marley

Mom and dad forever in my heart. I love you always. April 14 2009 mom passed and March 1 2009 dad passed. As my mom said to me 'What ever happens, be strong.'

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Natasha.... I would recommend entering "end of life symptoms" in the goggle custom search at top of this page. I know it has been discussed a few times. Otherwise, the basic answer is only God knows for sure when. There has been individuals who have lived for days and others for months once entering hospice. Each person have different end results depending on their cancer and where it has spread to and what is being affected the most. There really is no time table ,even with some symptoms showing. It is extremely difficult waiting day after day. I recommend love and cherish every moment and keep your mom comfortable and pain free.

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

Thank you for answering. I don't think I received the private email, but would like to. The suffering I'm talking about is physical and psychological. After throwing up, having back pain, fever or a painful bile drainage experience, my mom is just exhaustic and her body just can't take it any more. She becomes so sad and cries and doesn't want to go on like this. It just destroys me to see her like this. I'm so angry some times. Thank you again for responding. I would love to hear where you both are in your process to date.Blessings

Mom and dad forever in my heart. I love you always. April 14 2009 mom passed and March 1 2009 dad passed. As my mom said to me 'What ever happens, be strong.'

Re: No more treatment for Charlie

I have read your moving story and will pray for you.I was treated for cholangiocarcinoma in 2008 and originally told I was not going to survive.I am still here after eigthen months after having treatment.Never give up hope.

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